I think suspending him would not help. I think the players should be able to police this them self. Let him play and the players will take care of him by them selves whether it be a Sens player or some one else in the league from another team. I am not a Sens fan but there is no room for this in the league
Ron, 2007-09-26 13:31:47

Aw gee Sens!

Funny that a team full of late hiters and dirty checkers should complain so loudly about someone else giving it back.

It's too bad McAmmond got hurt but he's in the big boy league too and shouldn't expect to be treated with velvet gloves just because he's been there for a couple of years.

All the rookies know that they have to show something special in pre-season games to make a mark whether it's scoring or hitting or playmaking and regardless of Downies'reputation in junior, the senior Sens would likely defend him completely if he was on their side and laid the hit on one of their opponents.
BJ, 2007-09-26 13:28:26

Yes he should be suspended.Just because he he is known for hitting doesn't justify what he done.Peolpe say oh! its just hockey.If something happens on the ice a fight or that hit.They say it is part of the game .But do it outside the ice surface you will get charged.should ne suspended for the year and fined.
Donald, 2007-09-26 13:27:41

Yes Downie should get suspended for only 1 game, the same action taken by the League with Pronger the 2 time offender in the last playoffs. The only issue was Downie leaving his feet like Pronger did as well and McAmmond should learn not to admire his passes while going behind the net...but I guess that's getting harder for him think about with all the concussions he's had
Ken, 2007-09-26 13:11:20

McAmmond should've had his head up and maybe we wouldn't be hearing about all this. Also Chris Neil was the biggest turtle on the ice when we first started watching him play exactly like Downey. So who does he think he is telling this kid what not to do?
Todd Bevis, 2007-09-26 13:08:53

You are damn right he should be suspended. Dirty players like that have no room in the NHL. He is a gutless individual who should be suspended for at least 15-20 games or for the rest of the year. No wonder the NHL has lower ratings that Poker.

There should be a no tolerance rule for hits to the head. If you hit someone to the head then you are gone period, and it should be for many games at the very least. All I can say again that, that was just so disrespectfull to the game if not a criminal act.
Gary Everson, 2007-09-26 13:06:45

Naw, Sens fans didn't think Neil should be suspended after his late, charging hit to a blind sided Drury. Why is this any different, because it was a late, blind sided, and charging? Only difference is Downie left his feet - perhaps that's enough to suspend.

Niel was looking for blood as was Downie.

It doesn't matter anyway, the league has no consitancy in their suspensions, if they did, how does one explain that Bell gets 15 games, while Bowmeister walks free. Both made a bad decision to get behind the wheel of a car drunk - one hurts someone, and one gets lucky and gets pulled over before hurting someone. Both confess to the crime. One has no suspension, one goes to jail, enters the substance abuse program and is suspended for 15.
dan, 2007-09-26 13:06:34

Downie is a gritty forward who finashes his checks.after all are is ths=is hockey or checkers??
James Fleming, 2007-09-26 12:54:00

More garbage from the NHL. I'm glad the Ottawa Sun is documenting all the verbal backlash and outright threats from the Sens - I'm sure it'll come in handy when Downie is attacked from behind and has his neck broken, then decides to sue everyone involved.

Class act, this NHL.
Sean, 2007-09-26 12:48:41

McGrattan should also be fined for his remarks.
wayne, 2007-09-26 12:46:42